Vehicle front-end quick connect hitch and lift assembly

ABSTRACT

A hitch and adapter assembly for connecting an implement to the front end of vehicles such as all terrain vehicle providing a rigid connection with limited motion for reduced vibration operation. The hitch has two spaced apart sockets on a rigid frame that pivotally connects to the vehicle providing a rigid extension thereof. The sockets receive and cooperatively engage respective pins on the implement providing a quick connection. An electrically powered hydraulic cylinder is connected at one end to the frame and the other end connects to the vehicle by a coupler that slip fits into a socket therefore on the vehicle. The frame pivotally connects to the vehicle at two spaced apart positions. There is a coarse and fine adjustment for varying the height and tilt positions of the implement.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from PCT application Serial No.PCT/US04/01425 filed on Jan. 20, 2004 which claims priority from U.S.Pat. No. 7,063,169 which issued on Jun. 20, 2006 from application Ser.No. 10/645,307 filed on Aug. 21, 2003 and U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 60/765,417 filed on Feb. 3, 2006, all of which are incorporatedherein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to vehicle hitches and moreparticularly to a three point quick coupling hitch with an electricallycontrolled hydraulic lift and fine tuning adjustments for use on thefront end of all terrain vehicles or the rigid frame of other vehicles.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

All terrain vehicles are popular recreational vehicles but withappropriate implements attached thereto they can serve as work machines.For example with a blade or bucket attached they can clear snow fromwalks or driveways or level earth. With grass cutting attachments theycan be used to keep large areas neatly trimmed. Implements useable forthe instant quick coupling hitch include snow blowers, rotary tillingdevices, rotary brushes, seeders, front end mounted trenchers, yardexcavators, push blade, box scrapers, reel lawn mower, rotary lawnmotor, saw bush cutting systems and boom mowers, post drivers, postholeaugers, drawbars with specialty hitch attachments, vacuum systems, forklifts, platforms, and the like. Changing from one implement to the otherof a work vehicle and a recreational vehicle can be time consuming or ofsufficient annoyance that one often will not bother changing forrecreational purposes of short duration.

A number of patents are directed to frames for attaching implements toall terrain vehicles (ATV's), or garden tractors for manipulating theattached implement thus indicating a need and various solutions in anattempt to meet that need. U.S. Pat. No. 3,688,847 granted Sep. 5, 1972to P. Deeter and U.S. Pat. No. 5,329,708 granted Jul. 19, 1994 to M.Segorski disclose implement mounting frames that extend under the frameof the vehicle. This reduces the clearance of the vehicle thus reducingits ability to pass over obstacles. U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,241 granted Oct.19, 1999 to G. Gross and U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,745 granted Apr. 1, 1997 toG Cross disclose lift mechanisms for the attached implement. The liftsare manually operated and thereby have obvious limitations includingrequiring dexterity of the operator as well as difficulties inpositioning and repositioning the implement. U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,336granted Sep. 14, 1999 to K. Liebl addresses some of the concerns byproviding a mounting frame with an electric lift. The frame is attachedto the vehicle by two lever arms and a pin connection for each and isessentially permanently attached to the implement thus making difficultto substitute one implement for another.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,275 granted May 5, 1998 to G. Cross discloses athree point hitch that includes a plurality of pin connected links andan electric lift. The hitch attaches to the axle of the vehicle andtherefore extends some distance from where the hitch attaches to theimplement. The three point attachment is the connection of the hitch tothe implement.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The hitch and lift assembly comprises a rigid, U-shape frame, ahydraulic jack unit, a coupler connecting one end of the hydraulic jackunit to a receiver on the ATV and an adjusting mechanism that connectsthe other end of the hydraulic jack unit to the U-shaped frame.

A preferred embodiment provides for a hitch and lift assembly forattaching an implement to a motorized vehicle having a rigid frame withhorizontal and/or vertical cross members typically utilized in thesupport of ATV, garden tractors and the like. The hitch and liftassembly includes a crossbar member as a rigid link selectivelyadjustably connected to the ATV frame members by “U-clamps” or othermeans of attachment. The hitch and lift assembly also includes agenerally U-shaped frame comprising a pair of elongated tubular membersor legs spaced apart, aligned and connected in the front by a crossmember near the ends of the legs which are formed having the distal endsdefine a pair of spaced apart cylindrical sockets opposite the distalends of the legs being pivotally attached to the ATV or other vehicleframe. A rigid link defining a floating lockable cam provides limitedarcuate movement relative to the frame and includes means limiting thearcuate movement. The hitch and lift assembly also includes an electricpowered extendible and retractable power driven jack unit connected atone end thereof to said rigid link defining the floating cam. Means forconnecting the distal ends of the legs to the motorized vehicle consistsof a pair of removable pins cooperatively engaging the implement orapparatus to be lifted.

Moreover, the hitch and adapter assembly for connecting an implement tothe frame of the front end of vehicles such as all terrain vehicleprovides a rigid connection with limited motion for reduced vibrationoperation. The hitch has two spaced apart sockets on a rigid frame thatpivotally connects to the vehicle providing a rigid extension thereof.The sockets receive and cooperatively engage respective pins on theimplement providing a quick connection. The electrically poweredhydraulic cylinder is connected at one end to the frame and the otherend connects to the vehicle by a coupler that slip fits into a sockettherefore on the vehicle. The frame pivotally connects to the vehicle attwo spaced apart positions. There is a coarse and fine adjustment forvarying the height and tilt positions of the implement.

A principal object of the present invention is to provide a simple,robust adjustable front-end quick connect hitch and lift assembly for avehicle such as a tractor or more particularly an all terrain vehicle,(“ATV”).

A principal object of the present invention is to provide a hitch asabove described that is usable to connect a variety of implements to thevehicle.

A further principal object of the present invention is to provide athree point hitch for an ATV with a quick connect/disconnect connectionto the implement.

It is another object to provide a floating cam link which includescoarse adjustments, fine adjustments, and means for locking the floatingcam into position in order to provide downward pressure via the electrichydraulic jack.

These and other objects of the present invention will be more fullyunderstood from the following description of the invention.

One embodiment of the present invention provides for a hitch forattaching an implement to a motorized vehicle comprising: a rigidgenerally U-shaped frame comprising pair of a legs connecting to a crossmember thereinbetween, a pair of spaced apart sockets on the frame at alocation remote from a free outer end of each one of the legs of theU-shaped frame, the free outer end of each leg being pivotallyattachable to the motorized vehicle; a crossbar member selectivelyadjustably connected to free outer end of each of the legs of theU-shaped frame, and means limiting arcuate movement of the U-shapedframe; an extendible and retractable power driven jack unit disposedwithin the U-shaped frame connecting at one end to the cross member andmeans for connecting the other end to the motorized vehicle; wherein theU-shaped frame comprises a pair of parallel conduits open at one endthereof and the cross member interconnecting the conduits adjacent theopen ends, the open ends providing the sockets; and the ends of theconduits opposite the open ends have an apertured lug for pivotalattachment to the motorized vehicle.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides for a hitch forattaching an implement to a motorized vehicle comprising: a rigidgenerally U-shaped frame comprising pair of a legs connecting to a crossmember thereinbetween, a pair of spaced apart sockets on the frame at alocation remote from a free outer end of each one of the legs of theU-shaped frame, the free outer end of each leg being pivotallyattachable to the motorized vehicle; a crossbar member selectivelyadjustably connected to free outer end of each of the legs of theU-shaped frame, and means limiting arcuate movement of the U-shapedframe; an extendible and retractable power driven jack unit disposedwithin the U-shaped frame connecting at one end to the cross member andmeans for connecting the other end to the motorized vehicle; and therigid link is connected to a lug projecting from the rigid frame by apivot pin and wherein the lug has a series of spaced apart apertures forreceiving the pin and thereby being selectively adjustably connectable.

Another preferred embodiment defines a hitch for attaching an implementto a motorized vehicle comprising: a rigid generally U-shaped framecomprising pair of a legs connecting to a cross member thereinbetween, apair of spaced apart sockets on the frame at a location remote from afree outer end of each one of the legs of the U-shaped frame, the freeouter end of each leg being pivotally attachable to the motorizedvehicle; a crossbar member selectively adjustably connected to freeouter end of each of the legs of the U-shaped frame, and means limitingarcuate movement of the U-shaped frame; an extendible and retractablepower driven jack unit disposed within the U-shaped frame connecting atone end to the cross member and means for connecting the other end tothe motorized vehicle; and wherein there are a pair of the lugs spacedapart from one another and wherein the link projects between the lugs.

Yet another embodiment provides of a hitch for attaching an implement toa motorized vehicle comprising: a rigid generally U-shaped framecomprising pair of a legs connecting to a cross member thereinbetween, apair of spaced apart sockets on the frame at a location remote from afree outer end of each one of the legs of the U-shaped frame, the freeouter end of each leg being pivotally attachable to the motorizedvehicle; a crossbar member selectively adjustably connected to freeouter end of each of the legs of the U-shaped frame, and means limitingarcuate movement of the U-shaped frame; an extendible and retractablepower driven jack unit disposed within the U-shaped frame connecting atone end to the cross member and means for connecting the other end tothe motorized vehicle; wherein the means connecting the jack unit to themotorized vehicle comprises a coupler; and wherein the coupler isZ-shaped.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present invention will be had uponreference to the following description in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which like numerals refer to like partsthroughout the several views and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side oblique view of an all terrain vehicle with a bladeattached thereto by a hitch and lifting assembly provided in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded, oblique view of the hitch and lifting assemblyshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded top plan of the hitch and lifting assembly;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the hitch and lifting assembly takenessentially along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing anexploded, oblique view of the hitch and lifting assembly and thereceiver mounted to the crossbar;

FIG. 6 is an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing anexploded, oblique view of the hitch and lifting assembly and therelocation of the cam lock secured to the top of the cam link andextending over the top edge of the lugs on each side thereof providingmeans for locking the floating cam and exerting downward pressure viathe hydraulic jack;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the hitch and lifting assembly takenessentially along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, wherein the cam lock is secured tothe top of the cam link by a knob and threaded stud including a bracketextending over the top edges of the lugs for locking the floating cam;

FIG. 8 is an alternate exploded, oblique view of the hitch and liftingassembly shown in FIG. 1 including the hydraulic accessory portconnections;

FIG. 9 is an exploded top plan of the hitch and lifting assembly of FIG.8;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the hitch and lifting assembly takenessentially along line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a blade embodiment for use with theembodiments of the present invention showing a swivel point, connectionpins, and hydraulic cylinder with hose couplers;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the present inventionincluding a variable suspension support arm adapter for connecting tothe upper arm or strut of an alternate vehicle with end hooks to connectto a support arm of the vehicle;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the present inventionincluding an alternate embodiment of a lift mounting bar adapter forconnecting the present invention to a frame of another vehicle;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the present inventionincluding an alternate embodiment of a lift mounting bar adapter forconnecting the present invention to a frame of another vehicle;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the present inventionincluding an alternate embodiment of a lift mounting bar adapter forconnecting the present invention to a frame of another vehicle;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the present inventionshowing an alternate embodiment of a coupler connecting one end of thehydraulic jack unit to a receiver on the ATV and an adjusting mechanismthat connects the other end of the hydraulic jack unit to the frame;

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the coupler of FIGS. 16 and 17; and

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a frame thepresent invention for mounting onto the ATV.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a conventional allterrain vehicle (ATV) 10 with a blade 20 attached to the front thereofby a hitch 30 provided in accordance with the present invention. Theblade 20 maybe used to clear snow or move earth and is by way of exampleof an implement attachable to the vehicle. Of course, it is contemplatedthat any implement set forth heretofore could be substituted for theblade 20. The ATV has an open protective rigid grill 12 on the frontcomprising a weldment of a pair of generally vertical tubular members 13as shown in FIG. 2 which is a typical arrangement for tubing membersforming a part of the ATV frame. The grill 12 is part of the vehicle 10and is rigidly attached to and forms a part of the vehicle frame. Meansfor holding such as a pair of “U” clamps 15 attach a horizontallydisposed longitudinal crossbar member 16 to the two vertically disposedtubular frame members 13 that are part of the rigid grill 12. Thecrossbar member 16 has a means for pivotally detachable engagementdefining a threaded hole 17 in opposing distal ends thereof, each onefor receiving one of a pair of hitch mounting bolts 19 thereby pivotallyconnecting a frame portion of the hitch supported by the tubular framemembers 13 to the vehicle 10.

The hitch and lift assembly 30 comprises a rigid, U-shape frame 31, ahydraulic jack unit 32, a coupler 33 connecting one end of the hydraulicjack unit 32 to a receiver 18 on the ATV and an adjusting mechanism 34that connects the other end of the hydraulic jack unit 32 to theU-shaped frame 31.

The receiver 18 is a rectangular or square shaped socket attached to ahorizontal or vertical lower frame member of the ATV and conventionallyis used for trailer couplings. Alternately, a receiver plate 40 as shownin FIG. 5 connecting to and extending upward perpendicular to thereceiver 18 having means for attachment such as holes therein can beattached to the crossbar member 16 by aligning the holes therein andinserting bolts there through. It is contemplated that the receiver 18and corresponding sized and shaped coupling 33 can be any selected sizeand shape, and that the receiver 18 could be connected to the hitch andlift assembly 30 and the coupler could be connected to the frame of theATV. In the preferred embodiment, the receiver 18 is located on thevehicle at an elevation thereon lower than where the crossbar member 16is located on the grill. The receiver 18 and the bolts 19 cooperativelyengaging the two threaded holes 17 in the distal end crossbar provide athree point connection of the hitch 30 to the vehicle 10.

As shown in FIG. 5, the crossbar member 16 includes as an option one ormore vertical holes 83 there through. The receiver 18 includes one ormore holes through the top surface. A knob 80 having a stud 82 extendingtherefrom can be disposed through a hole 83 in the crossbar member 16 sothat the stud extends downward through a threaded hole 84 in thereceiver 18 for cooperative engagement with the coupler 33 to secure thecoupler in fixed position to reduce play and increase structural supportand rigidity of the hitch and lift assembly.

The rigid U-shaped frame 31 comprises a pair of spaced apart parallelelongate tubular members 31A interconnected adjacent one end thereof bya cross member 31B, and having the distal ends 42 crimped substantiallyflat forming a lug 31C at the distal ends having a through hole 31Dalign able with the horizontally disposed longitudinal crossbar member16. The distal ends 44 of tubular members 31A remain open providingcylindrical sockets 31E for receiving respective pair of pins 21 orshort support members secured to and projecting from the implement suchas a blade 20. The blade 20 or other implement of the preferredembodiment uses pins 21 having horizontal holes there through formounting in alignment with holes disposed within a pair of mountingbrackets 46 formed by aligning spaced apart flanges 48 connected to theback of the blade 20. The pins 21 may be rigidly connected to themounting brackets 46, or pivotally connected thereto by boltscooperatively engaging the flanges 48 and pins 21. In the preferredembodiment, the tubular member 31A is reinforced by an annular collar31F. Each pin 21 has an annular groove 22 that cooperates with a knoband screw 31G threaded into a threaded fitting insert 50 formed in oneor more selected positions along the top of the tubular member 31A tolock the implement to the hitch and lift assembly 30. The groove 22 andthreaded knob are in alignment when the pin 21 is fully inserted intothe cylindrical socket 31E.

It is readily apparent the blade 20 implement can be quickly connectedand disconnected respectively simply by hand tightening or loosening, asthe case maybe, the two knobs with screws 31G. This makes it easy toswitch from one vehicle function to another or from one implement toanother and all that is necessary is that the various implements havetwo parallel pins 21 secured thereto corresponding in size and spacingto the two sockets 31E provided by the tubular members 31A. Obviouslylocking pins or other means of holding in aligned notches or holes canbe substituted for the knob and screw implement lock 31G.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the longitudinal tubular members 31A arepivotally attached to the crossbar member 16 by respective ones of apair of threaded mounting bolts 19 on which there is an outer thrustbushing 19A and an inboard support bushing 19B. The support bushing 19Bhas a sleeve portion 19C that slip fits into the hole 31D in the lug 31Cand it is lubricated via grease fitting 31H.

The coupler 33 is Z-shaped having a first generally horizontal shortdistal end member 33A corresponding in cross-sectional outline shape tothe socket of the receiver 18 for slip fit therein. A generally verticalcenter section member 33H is rigidly attached to the distal end member33A and extends downwardly a selected distance and is pivotallyconnected to a second distal end member 33B. The opposing end of thesecond distal end member 33B is a U-shaped portion for pivotallyreceiving a lower end connecting mount of a hydraulic cylinder 32A ofthe hydraulic jack unit 32. The hydraulic jack 32 of the preferredembodiment is electric; however, it is contemplated that pressured fluidor air from a hydrostatic system or pump, respectively, could be used toactuate the hydraulic jack. Moreover, it is contemplated that a rack andpinion assembly can be substituted for or used with the hydraulic jack,although it is less efficient and more bulky. A pin 32E connects thecylinder 32A to the opposing end of the second distal end member 33B ofthe coupler 33 by alignment and cooperative engagement of holes formedwithin the distal end member 33B and cylinder 32A. The distal end of thepiston rod of the hydraulic jack unit 32 includes a connecting yokehaving a hole there through for pivotally connecting to thecorresponding aligned yoke holes of the adjusting mechanism unit 34 by apin 32D.

The unit 32 includes the above mentioned hydraulic cylinder and to powerthe same there is an electric motor 32B drivingly connected to ahydraulic pump 32C. A control and power cable 32J extends from the motor32B and connects to a control switch 52 conveniently located on thehandle bar in close proximity to the hand grip, and is also connected tothe power supply on the vehicle 10.

The adjusting mechanism 34 includes a first coarse adjusting means 54and a second fine adjusting means 56. The coarse adjusting mechanism 54includes a floating cam or link 34A pivotally connected at one end bythe pin 32D to the distal end or yoke of the piston rod of hydraulicjack unit 32 and the other end of the link 34A projects between a pairof lugs 34B defining projections or mounting plates rigidly anchored toand projecting from the frame cross member 31B. The lugs 34B have aseries of holes 34C for selectively adjusting the angle and distance ofthe piston rod pivotally connecting thereto. A bolt or pin 34D passesthrough one of the holes and a hole in the link 34A providing a looseconnection. With this loose connection there is relative movementbetween the lugs 34B and the link 34A and such motion is pivotalmovement of the respective members about the pin 34D. The pin 34D islubricated via a grease fitting.

A cam lock arm 34E is notched at one end as indicated at 34F and theother end overlaps one of the lugs 34B. A shaft 34G passes through ahole in the lock arm 34E intermediate the ends thereof and is threadedinto a threaded bore in the link 34A. A hand grip knob 34H on the shaft34G provides means to manually lock and unlock the cam of link 34A byturning the knob to increase or decrease, as the case maybe, thefrictional grip of the lock arm 34E on the lug 34B.

Alternately, the knob and stud 34H can be disengaged from the verticalthreaded bore of the floating cam link 34A. The cam lock 34E can beremoved therefrom. A threaded bore 60 can be formed in the top of thefloating cam link 34A whereby the cam lock 34 E can be disposedhorizontally across the top edge of the lug 34B and secured thereto withthe knob and stud 34H to create a positive lock for creating downpressure for selected applications.

The fine adjusting mechanism 56 comprises a stud 34H threaded into avertically threaded hole 34J adjacent an end of the link 34A and footplate 34K on the end of the stud 34H bears against the longitudinalcross member 31B. A hand grip knob 34L provides means to manually turnthe stud 34H providing the fine adjustment. A lever 34M threaded on thestud 34H is used to lock the stud 34H in position, by binding againstthe link 34A, at the desired position.

FIG. 6 shows the relocation of the cam lock 34E secured to the top ofthe cam link 34 secured thereto by a knob and threaded stud 70cooperatively engaging a threaded bore 72 drilled into the top of thecam link 34 and having a bracket 73 extending over the top edges of thelugs 34B on each side thereof providing means for locking the floatingcam 34 and for exerting downward pressure via the hydraulic jack unit32.

As shown in FIGS. 8-10, the embodiment shows a hydraulic diversion valve130 together with a pair of hydraulic accessory ports 132 with quickconnect hydraulic hose couplers 134 located on top of the hydraulicdiversion valve 130. One means of activating the hydraulic diversionvalves 130 is to engage an electric an electric override switch 152 asshown in FIG. 1. Once the electric override switch is activated, thelift up and down switch 52 stops the lift from moving up and down andthen supplies hydraulic pressure t the hydraulic accessory ports 132from the hydraulic pump 32C. The hydraulic diversion valves 130 are usedto operate hydraulic power to a selected attachment such as a blade 150as shown in FIG. 11 for changing the angle of the blade 150 or otherimplement such as a rotary sweeper (not shown) to the desired angle ofuse, or to tilt the blade 150 or other implement such as a dump bucket(not shown), or to adjust the height of a finish mower (not shown). Oncethe electric override switch 152 is released the handle bar up and downswitch 52 stops supplying hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic accessoryports 132 and the hydraulic pressure is once again diverted to the liftcylinder and the lift return to the up and down positioning mechanism.Of course, the up and down switch 52 and switch for the diversion valves152 can be incorporated into a single switch unit for convenience.

Moreover, an electric hydraulic pump which includes diversion valvesbuilt integrally therein can be substituted for the separate electrichydraulic pump 32C of the present invention and diversion valve 130combination.

The hitch and lift assembly of the present invention can be utilizedwith any type of vehicle as a coupling hitch include snow blowers,rotary tilling devices, rotary brushes, seeders, front end mountedtrenchers, yard excavators, push blade, box scrapers, reel lawn mower,rotary lawn motor, saw bush cutting systems and boom mowers, postdrivers, posthole augers, drawbars with specialty hitch attachments,vacuum systems, fork lifts, platforms, and the like.

For example, the blade 150 shown in FIG. 11, includes a swivel pointutilizing a simple pin and hinge assembly 152, a blade cross member 154including coupling pins 156 extending therefrom, at least one hydrauliccylinder 158 attached to a blade pivot point 162 and a blade crossmember pivot point 164, and quick connect hydraulic hose couplers 160.

Although it is possible to utilize such the present device in place of ahydraulic unit of a tractor or the like, the advantages exhibited by theinstant invention are better realized when utilized on the front end ofa vehicle utilizing the electric hydraulic jack providing a compact,quick disconnect lifting device independently of high pressure hydraulicfluid systems.

FIG. 12 illustrates a variable suspension support arm adapter forconnecting to the upper arm or strut of an alternate vehicle with endhooks to connect to a support arm of the vehicle such as an ATV. Therigid U-shaped frame 31 comprises a pair of spaced apart parallelelongate tubular members 31A interconnected adjacent one end thereof bya cross member 31B, and having the distal ends 42 crimped substantiallyflat forming a lug 31C at the distal ends having a through hole 31Dalign able with the horizontally disposed longitudinal crossbar member16. The distal ends 44 of tubular members 31A remain open providingcylindrical sockets 31E for receiving respective pair of pins or shortsupport members secured to and projecting from the implement such as ablade. The embodiment shown in FIG. 12 includes a variable suspensionsupport arm 135 including a ride height adjustment bolt 135B whichprojects over the top of the lug 31C. A loop 135C hooks into the area ofthe upper ball joint or strut of the ATV frame and forms a link thatconnects to the upper arm or strut of a vehicle such as an ATV, wherebythe other end hooks to the support arm 135. A pin or bolt 17 extendingthrough the support arm 135 and into a hole 31D is rotatably engageablewith the distal end of crossbar member 16 forming a swiveling armassembly. When the lift is in the process of raising an object upwardsuch as a blade 150, the ride height adjustment bolt 135B of thevariable suspension support arm 135 makes contact on top of the lug 31C,thus pushing the portion of the support arm 135 extending to the ATVframe downward and the portion of the support arm 135F projecting towardthe lift assembly downward transferring the load weight to the loop 135Cto the upper A-frame arm or strut of the vehicle. This transfer the loador weight to the hub wheel putting the weight onto the wheel area of thevehicle and also takes the load off of the vehicle frame or chassis.Thus when the support arm 135 is pulled by the load being lifted, theweight is transferred from the frame or chassis to the load bearingwheels of the vehicle. Therefore the support arms 135B are used toadjust the desired ride height of the object being supported above theground when the lift is raised up all the way and when the lift is inthe downward position the variable suspension support arm 135 isdeactivated because when the lift is in the downward position the liftgoes down and floats. Furthermore, the loop 135C provides a spring meansfor aiding the suspension when hauling heavy loads. The variablesuspension support arm is only necessary for handling heavy loads.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the present inventionincluding an alternate embodiment of a lift mounting bar adapter 110 forconnecting the present invention to a frame of another vehicle showingthe mounting plate 120, crossbar member 116, coupler 133, attachmentarms 111, support arms 142, and support member 144.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the present inventionincluding an alternate embodiment of a lift mounting bar adapter 220 forconnecting the present invention to a frame of another vehicle showingthe mounting plate 220, crossbar member 216, coupler 233, couplersupport plate 208, locking bar 210, and support arms 242.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the present inventionincluding an alternate embodiment of a lift mounting bar adapter 320 forconnecting the present invention to a frame of another vehicle showingcrossbar member 316, coupler 333, coupler support block 208, couplersupport block 209, locking bar 310, support arms 342, and support tabs344.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the present inventionshowing an alternate embodiment of a coupler connecting one end of thehydraulic jack unit to a receiver on the ATV and an adjusting mechanismthat connects the other end of the hydraulic jack unit to the frame;

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the coupler of FIGS. 16 and 17; and

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a frame thepresent invention for mounting onto the ATV.

The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness ofunderstanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understoodtherefrom, for modifications will become obvious to those skilled in theart based upon more recent disclosures and may be made without departingfrom the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims.

1. A hitch for attaching an implement to a motorized vehicle comprising:a) a rigid generally U-shaped frame comprising pair of a legs connectingto a cross member thereinbetween, a pair of spaced apart sockets on saidframe at a location remote from a free outer end of each one of saidlegs of said U-shaped frame, said free outer end of each leg beingpivotally attachable to the motorized vehicle, b) a rigid linkselectively adjustably connected to free outer end of each of said legsof said U-shaped frame, and means limiting arcuate movement of saidU-shaped frame; c) an extendable and retractable power driven jackincluding an electric motor and a hydraulic pump with at least onehydraulic diversion valve; and d) said extendible and retractable powerdriven jack unit is disposed within said U-shaped frame and connectingat one end to said link and means for connecting the other end to themotorized vehicle.
 2. A hitch as defined in claim 1 wherein the socketsare elongate, axially parallel sockets.
 3. The hitch as defined in claim2 wherein a distal end of said legs of the U-shaped frame project beyondsaid U-shaped frame and wherein the sockets are located in suchprojecting portion.
 4. The hitch as defined in claim 1 wherein theu-shaped frame comprises a pair of parallel conduits open at one endthereof and a cross member interconnecting said conduits adjacent saidopen ends, said open ends providing said sockets.
 5. The hitch asdefined in claim 4 wherein the ends of the conduits opposite said openends have an apertured lug for pivotal attachment to the motorizedvehicle.
 6. The hitch as defined in claim 1 wherein said rigid link isconnected to a lug projecting said rigid frame by a pivot pin andwherein said lug has a series of spaced apart apertures for receivingsaid pin and thereby being selectively adjustably connectable.
 7. Thehitch as defined in claim 6 wherein there are a pair of said lugs spacedapart from one another and wherein said link projects between said lugs.8. The hitch as defined in claim 1 wherein said means limiting saidarcuate movement is adjustable to vary the length of arcuate movement.9. The hitch as defined in claim 1 wherein said means connecting thejack unit to the motorized vehicle comprises a coupler.
 10. The hitch asdefined in claim 9 wherein said coupler is Z-shaped.
 11. The hitch asdefined in claim 9 wherein said coupler has a shaft insertable into asocket receiver therefor on the vehicle.